Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same, and solar cell module

ABSTRACT

A charge transferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfer charges generated from a semiconductor substrate, includes at least one electrode collecting the charges; and at least one collector transferring the charges collected by the at least one electrode, the at least one collector being included in at least one collector region on the substrate, wherein the at least one collector region in a first direction comprises at least one deletion portion where the at least one collector is not formed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2009-0017946 and 10-2009-0051087 filed in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office on Mar. 3, 2009 and Jun. 9, 2009,respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments relates to a solar cell and a method for manufacturing thesame, and a solar cell module.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Recently, as existing energy sources such as petroleum and coal areexpected to be depleted, interests in alternative energy sources forreplacing the existing energy sources are increasing. Among thealternative energy sources, solar cells have been particularlyspotlighted because, as cells for generating electric energy from solarenergy, the solar cells are able to draw energy from an abundant sourceand do not cause environmental pollution.

A typical solar cell includes a substrate and an emitter layer formed ofa semiconductor, each having a different conductive type such as ap-type and an n-type, and electrodes respectively formed on thesubstrate and the emitter layer. The typical solar cell also includes ap-n junction formed at an interface between the substrate and theemitter layer.

When light is incident on the solar cell, a plurality of electron-holepairs are generated in the semiconductor. Each of the electron-holepairs is separated into electrons and holes by the photovoltaic effect.Thus, the separated electrons move to the n-type semiconductor (e.g.,the emitter layer) and the separated holes move to the p-typesemiconductor (e.g., the substrate), and then the electrons and holesare collected by the electrodes electrically connected to the emitterlayer and the substrate, respectively. The electrodes are connected toeach other using electric wires to thereby obtain an electric power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a charge transferor ofa solar cell, which collects and transfer charges generated from asemiconductor substrate, may include at least one electrode collectingthe charges; and at least one collector region transferring the chargescollected by the at least one electrode, wherein an area formed bylinearly connecting both lateral sides of the at least one collectorregion in a first direction includes at least one deletion.

The at least one electrode may include a plurality of electrodes, andthe at least one collector region includes a plurality of collectorspositioned between each of pairs of electrodes and connected to thepairs of electrodes.

The at least one collector region may further include at least oneconnecting region positioned between two neighboring collectors andconnected to the neighboring collectors.

A horizontal width of the connecting region and a horizontal width ofthe collectors may be different from each other.

At least one of both lateral sides of the at least one collector regionmay include a corrugated portion.

The corrugated portion may have a triangular saw-toothed shape.

The corrugated portion may have a rectangular saw-toothed shape.

The plurality of collector regions may have the same shape.

The at least one collector region may further include at least one metalfilm extending in the first direction on the plurality of collectors.

A width of the at least one metal film may be greater than or equal to awidth of the plurality of collectors.

The at least one electrodes may include a plurality of point contactspositioned on the semiconductor substrate to be spaced apart from eachother so as to collect the charges.

The at least one electrodes may further include a metal film positionedon the plurality of point contacts along the plurality of pointcontacts.

The metal film may be made of a transparent conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a chargetransferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfer chargesgenerated from a semiconductor substrate, may include at least oneelectrode collecting the charges; and at least one collector regiontransferring the charges collected by the at least one electrode,wherein the at least one electrodes include a plurality of contactpoints positioned on the semiconductor substrate to be spaced apart fromeach other so as to collect the charges.

The at least one electrodes may further include a metal film positionedon the plurality of point contacts along the plurality of pointcontacts.

The metal film may be made of a transparent conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cell mayinclude a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of asecond conductive type, which is opposite to the first conductive type,positioned on the substrate; a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer; at least one collectorregion connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a secondelectrode electrically connected to the substrate; and at least onesecond collector region connected to the second electrode, wherein anarea formed by linearly connecting in a first direction both lateralsides of at least one of the at least one first collector region and theat least one second collector region includes at least one deletion.

At least one of the at least one collector region and the at least onesecond collector region may include a plurality of collectors connectedto the plurality of first electrodes or the second electrode.

At least one of the at least one collector region and the at least onesecond collector region may include at least one connecting regionpositioned between two neighboring collectors and connected to theneighboring collectors.

At least one of the at least one collector region and the at least onesecond collector region may include a portion corrugated on at least oneof both lateral sides.

The corrugated portion may have a triangular saw-toothed shape.

The corrugated portion may have a rectangular saw-toothed shape.

The at least one first collector region may include the plurality ofcollectors, and the plurality of collectors may be positioned betweeneach of pairs of the first electrodes.

At least one of the at least one first collector region and the secondcollector region may further include at least one metal film extendingin the first direction on the plurality of collectors.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may include a plurality ofconductors which extend in a second direction different from the firstdirection to be spaced apart from one each and is positioned to beelectrically connected to the emitter layer.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may further include a metalfilm positioned on the plurality of conductors along the plurality ofconductors.

The metal film may be made of a transparent conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cell mayinclude a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of asecond conductive type, which is opposite to the first conductive type,positioned on the substrate; a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer; at least one collectorregion connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a secondelectrode electrically connected to the substrate; and at least onesecond collector region connected to the second electrode, wherein eachof the plurality of first electrodes includes a plurality of pointcontacts spaced apart from one another and electrically connected to theemitter layer.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may further include a metalfilm positioned on the plurality of point contacts and contacting theplurality of point contacts.

The metal film may be made of a transparent conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method formanufacturing a solar cell may include forming an emitter layer of asecond conductive type on a substrate of a first conductive type, thesecond conductive type being opposite to the first conductive type;applying a first paste on a first surface of the substrate to form aplurality of point contact patterns; forming a second paste on a secondsurface of the substrate positioned on the opposite side of the firstsurface to form a first electrode pattern; thermally treating thesubstrate provided with the plurality of first point contact patternsand the first electrode pattern at a first temperature to form aplurality of point contacts connected to the emitter layer and a firstelectrode electrically connected to the substrate; forming a first metalfilm pattern extending in a first direction on exposed parts of theemitter layer of the first surface; and thermally treating the substrateprovided with the first metal film pattern at a second temperature toform a plurality of first metal films electrically connected to theplurality of point contacts and extending in the first direction.

The first temperature may be higher than the second temperature.

In the forming of the metal film pattern, when the first metal filmpattern is formed, a second metal film pattern may be formed positionedon the plurality of point contacts and extending in a second directiondifferent from that of the first metal film pattern, and in the formingof the plurality of first metal films, the second metal film pattern maybe thermally treated along with the first metal film pattern to furtherform a plurality of second metal films extending in the second directiondifferent from that of the first metal film.

The first and second metal film patterns may contain a transparentconductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellmodule may include a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell includingan emitter layer positioned on a substrate and having a conductive typeopposite to that of the substrate, a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer, at least one collectorregion connected to the plurality of first electrodes, a secondelectrode electrically connected to the substrate, and at least onesecond collector region electrically connected to the second electrode;and at least one conductive connecting portion positioned on the firstcollector region and the second collector region respectively positionedat neighboring solar cells among the plurality of solar cells, andelectrically connecting the first collector region and the secondcollector region, wherein an area formed by linearly connecting in afirst direction both lateral sides of at least one of the firstcollector region and the second collector region includes at least onedeletion.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may include a plurality ofconductors which discontinuously extend in a second direction differentfrom the first direction to be spaced apart from one another and arepositioned to be electrically connected to the emitter layer.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may further include a metalfilm positioned on the plurality of conductors along the plurality ofconductors.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellmodule may include a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell includingan emitter layer positioned on a substrate and having a conductive typeopposite to that of the substrate, a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer, at least one collectorregion connected to the plurality of first electrodes, a secondelectrode electrically connected to the substrate, and at least onesecond collector region electrically connected to the second electrode;and at least one conductive connecting portion positioned on the firstcollector region and the second collector region respectively positionedat neighboring solar cells among the plurality of solar cells, andelectrically connecting the first collector region and the secondcollector region, wherein each of the plurality of first electrodesincludes a plurality of point contacts spaced apart from one another andelectrically connected to the emitter region.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes may further include a metalfilm positioned on the plurality of point contacts and contacting theplurality of point contacts.

The metal film may be made of a transparent conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a chargetransferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfer chargesgenerated from a semiconductor substrate, includes a plurality ofelectrodes which collects the charges and are disposed generally in afirst direction; and at least one collector which transfers the chargescollected by the plurality of electrodes, the at least one collectorbeing included in at least one collector region disposed on thesemiconductor substrate and extending generally in a second directionthat crosses the first direction, wherein the at least one collectorregion further includes at least one deletion portion where a portion ofthe at least one collector is not formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a chargetransferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfer chargesgenerated from a semiconductor substrate, includes at least oneelectrode to collect the charges; and at least one collector to transferthe charges collected by the at least one electrode, wherein the atleast one electrode includes a plurality of contact points positioned onthe semiconductor substrate to be spaced apart from each other so as tocollect the charges.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellincludes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of asecond conductive type, which is opposite to the first conductive type,and positioned on the substrate; a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer; at least one firstcollector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, the at leastone first collector being included in at least one first collectorregion on the substrate; a second electrode electrically connected tothe substrate; and at least one second collector connected to the secondelectrode, the at least one second collector being included in at leastone second collector region on the substrate, wherein at least one ofthe at least one first collector region and the at least one secondcollector region includes at least one deletion portion where the atleast one first collector or the at least one second collector is notformed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellincludes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of asecond conductive type, which is opposite to the first conductive type,and positioned on the substrate; a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer; at least one firstcollector connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a secondelectrode electrically connected to the substrate; and at least onesecond collector connected to the second electrode, wherein theplurality of first electrodes is a plurality of point contacts spacedapart from one another and electrically connected to the emitter layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method formanufacturing a solar cell includes forming an emitter layer of a secondconductive type on a substrate of a first conductive type, the secondconductive type being opposite to the first conductive type; applying afirst paste on a first surface of the substrate to form a plurality ofpoint contact patterns; forming a second paste on a second surface ofthe substrate positioned on the opposite side of the first surface toform a first electrode pattern; thermally treating the substrateprovided with the plurality of point contact patterns and the firstelectrode pattern at a first temperature to form a plurality of pointcontacts connected to the emitter layer and a first electrodeelectrically connected to the substrate; forming a first metal filmpattern extending in a first direction on exposed parts of the emitterlayer of the first surface; and thermally treating the substrateprovided with the first metal film pattern at a second temperature toform a plurality of first metal films electrically connected to theplurality of point contacts and extending in the first direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellmodule includes a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell including anemitter layer positioned on a substrate and having a conductive typeopposite to that of the substrate, a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer, at least one firstcollector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, the at leastone first collector being included in at least one first collectorregion on the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected tothe substrate, and at least one second collector electrically connectedto the second electrode, the at least one second collector beingincluded in at least one second collector region on the substrate; andat least one conductive connecting portion positioned on the at leastone first collector region and the at least one second collector regionrespectively positioned at neighboring solar cells among the pluralityof solar cells, and electrically connecting the at least one firstcollector region and the at least one second collector region, whereinof at least one of the first collector region and the second collectorregion includes at least one deletion portion where the at least onefirst collector or the at least one second collector is not formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a solar cellmodule includes a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell including anemitter layer positioned on a substrate and having a conductive typeopposite to that of the substrate, a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer, at least one firstcollector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, the at leastone first collector being included in at least one first collectorregion on the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected tothe substrate, and at least one second collector electrically connectedto the second electrode, the at least one second collector beingincluded in at least one second collector region on the substrate; andat least one conductive connecting portion positioned on the at leastone first collector region and the at least one second collector regionrespectively positioned at neighboring solar cells among the pluralityof solar cells, and electrically connecting the at least one firstcollector region and the at least one second collector region, whereinthe plurality of first electrodes is a plurality of point contactsspaced apart from one another and electrically connected to the emitterlayer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a solar cell according to anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell of FIG. 1 taken alongline II-II;

FIG. 3 is a view showing one example of second collector units of thesolar cell shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 to 16 are views showing various examples of the first collectorunits according to example embodiments of the present invention

FIGS. 17 to 27 are views showing various examples of the secondcollector units according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of one example of a solar cellaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a view showing the arrangement state of a plurality of pointcontacts in one example of the solar cell according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a view showing a state where a plurality of first and secondmetal films are formed on the plurality of point contacts in a solarcell according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 32 to 39 are cross-sectional views sequentially showing a methodfor manufacturing a solar cell according to another example embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a partial perspective view of a solar cell according toanother example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXXI-XXXXI of FIG.40;

FIG. 42 is a view showing a state where a plurality of first and secondmetal films is formed on a plurality of point contacts in a solar cellaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing a solar cell module according to oneexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a plane view showing a connection state between solar cellsaccording to one example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state betweenthe solar cells according to one example embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of theinventions are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein

In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc.,are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals designate likeelements throughout the specification. It will be understood that whenan element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to asbeing “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present.

A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same and a solar cellmodule according to example embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, a solar cell according to example embodiments of the presentinvention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a solar cell according to oneexample embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectionalview of the solar cell of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. FIG. 3 is aview showing one example of second collector units of the solar cellshown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a solar cell according to one exampleembodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 110, an emitterlayer 120 positioned on the front surface of the substrate 110, which isan incident surface on which light is incident, an anti-reflection layer130 positioned on the emitter layer 120, a first charge transfer unit (afirst charge transferor) 140 electrically connected to the emitter layer120, a second charge transfer unit (a second charge transferor) 150positioned on the rear surface of the substrate 110 which is theopposite surface of the incident surface, and a back surface field (BSF)171 positioned between the substrate 110 and the second charge transferunit 150.

The substrate 110 is a semiconductor substrate formed of silicon of afirst conductive type, for example, a p-conductive type. In the exampleembodiment, the substrate 110 may be formed of crystalline silicon suchas monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon. However, thesubstrate 110 may be formed of amorphous silicon. If the substrate 110is a p-conductive type, it may contain an impurity of a group IIIelement, such as boron (B), gallium (G), and indium (In). Alternatively,however, the substrate 110 may be an n-conductive type, and may be madeof a semiconductor material other than silicon. If the substrate 110 isan n-conductive type, the substrate 110 may contain an impurity of agroup V element, such as phosphor (P), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb).

The surface of the substrate 110 is textured to form a textured surfacewhich is an uneven surface or has uneven characteristics.

The emitter layer 120 is an impurity region of a second conductive type,for example, an n-conductive type, which is opposite to the conductivetype of the substrate 110. Hence, the substrate 110 and the emitterlayer 120 form a p-n junction. If the emitter layer 120 is ann-conductive type, the emitter layer 120 may contain an impurity of agroup V element.

Pairs of electrons and holes, which are charges generated by lightincident on the substrate 110, are separated into electrons and holesdue to a built-in potential difference caused by the p-n junction, andtherefore the electrons move toward an n-type semiconductor and theholes move toward a p-type semiconductor. Thus, if the substrate 110 isa p-type and the emitter layer 120 is an n-type, the separated holesmove toward the substrate 110 and the separated electrons move towardthe emitter layer 120.

Since the emitter layer 120 forms a p-n junction with the substrate 110,if the substrate 110 is an n-conductive type unlike the exampleembodiment discussed above, the emitter layer 120 is a p-conductivetype. In this case, the separated electrons move toward the substrate110 and the separated holes move toward the emitter layer 120. If theemitter layer 120 is a p-conductive type, the emitter layer 120 may beformed by doping an impurity of a group III element on the substrate110.

The anti-reflection layer 130 positioned on the emitter layer 120 isformed of a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a titanium oxide film (TiOx).The anti-reflection layer 130 reduces the reflectance of light incidenton the solar cell 1 and increases the selectivity of a specificwavelength band, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar cell 1.Although the anti-reflection layer 130 has a single layer structure inthe shown example embodiment, it may have a multilayered structure, suchas a double-layered structure, or may be omitted, if necessary ordesired.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first charge transfer unit 140 has aplurality of first electrodes 141, and a plurality of first collectorregions 142 having a plurality of first collectors 1421.

The plurality of first electrodes 141 extends almost in parallel in apredetermined direction, and collects the charges, for example,electrons that move toward the emitter layer 120.

The plurality of first collector regions 142 and the plurality of firstcollectors 1421 extend almost in parallel in a direction crossing theplurality of first electrodes 141. The plurality of first collectors1421 is positioned on the same layer as the plurality of firstelectrodes 141 and connected to the plurality of first electrodes 141.

The plurality of first collectors 1421 collects the charges transferredfrom the plurality of first electrodes 141 and outputs the charges to anexternal device.

The first collector regions 142 will be described later in more detail.In embodiments of the invention, a collector region, such as the firstcollector region 142, may be defined as follows.

When a plurality of electrodes (such as the electrodes 141) includes afirst electrode and a second electrode, the at least one collector (suchas the first collector 1421) includes a first collector and a secondcollector, and the at least one collector region (such as the firstcollector region 142) has an area defined by a width in the firstdirection and a length in the second direction, then the width of thecollector region may include a first point on the first electrode thatcontacts a first peripheral point of the first collector and a secondpoint on the first electrode that contacts a second peripheral point ofthe first collector, and the length of the collector region may includethe first point on the first electrode that contacts the firstperipheral point of the first collector and a first point on the secondelectrode that contacts a first peripheral point of the secondcollector. Other ways of defining the collector region is possible. Byway of example, as shown in FIG. 4, the area is defined to include apoint of the top-most first electrode 141 that contacts a left-mostperipheral point of the top-most first collector 1421 and a point on thetop-most first electrode 141 that contacts a right-most peripheral pointof the same first collector 1421, and the length of the collector regionincludes the point of the top-most first electrode 141 that contacts theleft-most peripheral point of the first collector 1421 and a point onbottom-most first electrode 141 that contacts a left-most peripheralpoint of the bottom-most first collector 1421. However, the twocollectors and the two electrodes used to define the area of thecollector region need not be the top and bottom-most collectors andelectrodes. Any two pairs of electrodes, and one or more collectors maybe used to define the collector region, as will be evident from thedrawing figures.

The plurality of first electrodes 141 and the plurality of firstcollectors 1421 are connected to the emitter layer 120. Hence, theanti-reflection layer 130 is mainly positioned on the emitter layer 120where the plurality of first electrodes 141 and the plurality of firstcollectors 1421 are not positioned.

The plurality of front electrodes 141 and the plurality of firstcollectors 1421 contain a conductive material, such as silver (Ag).However, they may contain, instead of silver (Ag), at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al),tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), and acombination thereof, or otherwise may contain other conductivematerials.

The second electrode transfer unit 150 positioned on the rear surface ofthe substrate 110 has a second electrode 151, and a plurality of secondcollector regions 152 containing a plurality of second collectors 1521.

The second electrode 151 contains a conductive material, such asaluminum (Al), and is electrically connected to the substrate 110.

The second electrode 151 collects the charges, for example, electrons,moving from the substrate 110, and outputs them to an external device.

The second electrode 151 may contain, instead of aluminum (Al), at leastone selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu),silver (Ag), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In), titanium (Ti), gold (Au),and a combination thereof, or otherwise may contain other conductivematerials.

The plurality of second collector regions 152 are mainly positioned atportions facing the first collector regions 142, and as shown in FIG. 3,have a stripe (or strip) shape which extends almost in parallel withoutinterruption almost to the ends of the substrate 110. Due to this, thesecond electrode 151 is positioned on an almost entire rear surface ofthe substrate 110, except where the plurality of second collectorregions 152 and the plurality of second collectors 1521 are positioned.

The second collectors 1521 contain a conductive material, such as silver(Ag), and are electrically and physically connected to the secondelectrode 151.

The second collectors 1521 collect the charges transferred from thesecond electrode 151, and output the charges to an external device.

In the example embodiment, the second collector regions 152 and thefirst collector regions 142 have the same number of the respectivecollectors, and the second collector regions 152 partially overlap withthe adjacent second electrode 151, but the present invention is notlimited thereto.

The plurality of second collectors 1521 may contain, instead of silver(Ag), at least one conductive material selected from the groupconsisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), zinc(Zn), indium (In), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), and a combination thereof,or otherwise may contain other conductive materials.

The back surface field 171 is positioned between the substrate 110 andthe second electrode 151, and is a region, for example, a p+ region,which is doped with an impurity of the same conductive type as thesubstrate 110, at a higher concentration than that of the substrate 110.

Due to a difference in the concentration of an impurity between thesubstrate 110 and the back surface field 171, a potential barrier isformed, and this distributes (or disrupts) the movement of electronstoward the rear surface of the substrate 110, thereby reducing orpreventing a recombination and/or a disappearance of electrons and holesnear the rear surface of the substrate 110.

The operation of the solar cell 1 having the above structure accordingto this example embodiment will be described below.

When light is irradiated to the solar cell 1 and incident on thesemiconductor substrate 110 through the anti-reflection layer 130 andthe emitter layer 120, pairs of electrons and holes are generated in thesemiconductor substrate 110 by light energy. At this point, thesubstrate 110 has a textured surface. Thus, when incident and reflectionoperations of light are performed on the textured surface, thereflectance of the light decrease and the absorbance of the lightincreases. Also, the reflection loss of light incident on the substrate110 is reduced because of the anti-reflection layer 130, thereby furtherincreasing the amount of light incident on the substrate 110.

These pairs of electrons and holes are separated from one another by thep-n junction between the substrate 110 and the emitter layer 120, andtherefore the holes move toward the p-conductive type substrate 110 andthe electrons move toward the n-conductive type emitter layer 120. Inthis way, the electrons having moved to the emitter layer 120 arecollected by the plurality of first electrodes 141 and transferred tothe plurality of first collectors 1421, while the holes having moved tothe substrate 110 are collected by the second electrode 151 andtransferred to the plurality of second collectors 1521. Then, the firstcollectors 1421 in the first collector regions 142 and the secondcollectors 1521 in the second collector regions 152 are connected toeach other using electric wires, and thus current flows therebetween.The current is externally used as an electric power.

Next, various examples of the first collector regions 142 containing thefirst collectors 1421 according to example embodiments of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 16.In the following example, components performing the same functions aredesignated with the same reference numerals, and a detailed descriptionthereof is briefly made or is entirely omitted.

The partial perspective view and cross-sectional view of the solar cell1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an application example of the firstcollector regions 142 shown in FIG. 4. A solar cell to which an exampleof the first collector regions 142 shown in FIGS. 5 to 16 is applied isidentical to the solar cell 1 except the shape of the first collectors1421 in the first collector regions 142, so a partial perspective viewand cross-sectional view of the solar cell of the example shown in FIGS.5 to 16 will be omitted.

FIGS. 4 to 16 are views showing various examples of the first collectorunits according to example embodiments of the present invention.

First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, one example of the plurality of firstcollector regions 142 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, each of the first collector regions 142 has aplurality of first collectors 1421.

Each collector 1421 is branched off from a corresponding portion of eachpair of first electrodes 141 in a longitudinal direction and positionedonly between each pair of first electrodes 141. Thereby, as shown inFIG. 4, the upper and lower ends of the collector 1421 are connected tothe corresponding first electrodes 141 from which they are branched off.

Each collector 1421 has a rectangular shape.

Because each collector 1421 is positioned between each pair of firstelectrodes 141, the vertical width d23 of each first collector 1421 isalmost similar to the distance between each pair of first electrodes141. In FIG. 4, the plurality of first collectors 1421 of the same firstcollector region 142 are positioned at almost the same portions in avertical direction with respect to each other, while the respectivepairs of first electrodes 141, to which the first collectors 1421 arerespectively connected, are different from each other.

As previously described, the plurality of first collector regions 142are spaced apart from one another, and extend almost in parallel in adirection crossing the plurality of first electrodes 141. Thus, as shownin FIG. 4, the collectors 1421 positioned between the same pair of firstelectrodes 141 forms (or are included in) a different first collectorregions 142.

In this example, the number of collectors 1421 positioned in the samepair of first electrodes 141 is the same as the number of firstcollector regions 142. Thus, the gaps between neighboring firstelectrodes 141 in which the plurality of first collectors 1421 arepositioned and the gaps between the neighboring first electrodes 141 inwhich the plurality of first collectors 1421 are not positioned arearranged in an alternate manner. As a result, the plurality of firstcollectors 1421 forming (or included in) the same first collector region142 is disposed at a regular distance, and extends discontinuously inone direction. The regular distance is almost the same as the distancebetween the neighboring two electrodes 141. Therefore, in the firstcollector regions 142, a plurality of deletions 144 having no collectors1421 exists in areas S1 formed by virtually connecting both lateralsides of each of the first collector regions 142 shown in FIG. 4 in avertical direction. In case of FIG. 4, portions formed between theneighboring collectors 1421 correspond to the deletions 144.

In this example, the horizontal width d21 of each first collector 1421ranges from about 1.5 mm to 3 mm, but the embodiment is not limitedthereto.

Due to this, the formation area where the first collectors 1421 isformed in each first collector region 142 is reduced to almost half,compared to a comparative example in which a plurality of firstcollector regions have a predetermined width and a predetermined lengthand have a stripe shape which extends across a plurality of firstelectrodes 141 without interruption. Accordingly, the manufacturing costof the plurality of first collector regions 142 is reduced compared tothe comparative example, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of thesolar cell 1.

Next, another example of the plurality of first collector regions 142will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

In this example, the plurality of first collector regions 142 is almostsimilar to the example of the first collector regions 142 shown in FIG.4.

That is, each first collector region 142 has a plurality of collectors1421 positioned between each pair of first electrodes 141, and hence theplurality of collectors 1421 is disposed at a regular distance.

Unlike FIG. 4, however, each first collector region 142 additionally hasa plurality of connecting regions 143 for connecting two neighboringcollectors 1421. In other words, the plurality of connection regions 143are positioned between neighboring first electrodes 141 where theplurality of collectors 1421 are not positioned, that is, between twopairs of neighboring first electrodes 141, and therefore the collectors1421 and the connecting regions 143 are alternately positioned betweenthe continuous first electrodes 141.

Accordingly, in the same collector region 142, the collectors 1421 andthe connecting regions 143 are alternately positioned in a longitudinaldirection. Thus, unlike FIGS. 1 and 4, the plurality of collectors 1421forming each collector region 142 is electrically and physicallyconnected by the plurality of connecting regions 143.

Also, in FIG. 5, the positions of the plurality of collectors 1421 andthe plurality of connecting regions 143 in two neighboring collectorregions 142 are identical to each other, but they may be different fromeach other.

In the same manner as FIG. 4, a plurality of deletions 144 having nocollectors 1421 exist in areas S1 formed by vertically connecting bothlateral sides of each of the plurality of first collectors 1421, thatis, areas formed by vertically and linearly connecting both lateralsides of each first collector region 142. In FIG. 5, both side portionsof the connecting regions 143 correspond to the deletions 144.

In this example, the horizontal width d22 of each connecting region 143is smaller than the horizontal width d21 of each collector 1421. In oneexample, the horizontal width d22 of each connecting region 143 rangesfrom approximately 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

In this example, the plurality of connecting regions 143 are formed ofthe same material as the plurality of first collectors 1421 on the samelayer, but may be formed of a different conductive material from that ofthe plurality of first collectors 1421.

Due to this, the formation area of the first collectors 1421 in eachfirst collector region 142 is reduced when compared to the comparativeexample in which a plurality of collector regions have a stripe shapewhich extends across a plurality of first electrodes 141 without thedeletions 144, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell 1compared to the comparative example. Moreover, in comparison with FIGS.1 and 4, the area of each first collector region 142 is increased andhence the contact area with an external device is also increased,thereby increasing the transfer rate of charges due to the increase ofthe contact force with an external device.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of first collector regions142 is identical to the first collector regions 142 shown in FIG. 4except the shape of the collectors 1421.

That is, unlike FIGS. 1 and 4, the plurality of first collectors 1421forming (or included in) each first collector region 142 have arectangular ring shape where a hole H is formed at the center portionthereof, respectively. The shape of the hole H in FIG. 6 is rectangular,but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the hole H may havevarious shapes such as a circular shape. In this case, the plurality ofdeletions 144 existing in the areas S1 formed by vertically connectingboth lateral sides of the plurality of first collectors 1421 correspondsto portions between neighboring collectors 1421 and hole H portions.

Comparing this example with FIG. 4, the area of the first collectors1421 is smaller than the area of the first collectors 1421 shown in FIG.4, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell 1.

In an example shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of first collectors 1421shown in FIG. 6 are electrically and physically connected by theplurality of connecting regions 143 shown in FIG. 5. Thus, a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

The example shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the plurality offirst collectors 1421 shown in FIG. 6 are electrically and physicallyconnected by the plurality of connecting regions 143 shown in FIG. 5, soa detailed description thereof is omitted.

In this case, the plurality of deletions 144 existing in the areas S1formed by vertically connecting both lateral sides of the plurality offirst collectors 1421 corresponds to both side portions of theconnecting regions 143 and the hole H portions.

In the case of FIG. 7, the area of the first collectors 1421 is reducedlike in FIG. 6, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the solarcell 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact area with an externaldevice increases and hence the transfer rate of charges also increases.

In FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 7, the plurality of first collectors 1421positioned in the same first collector region 142 all have the sameshape, but it may be also possible to provide a plurality of firstcollectors 1421 having two or more different shapes in an alternativeexample. In addition, each first collector 1421 may have various shapesother than the previously mentioned shapes.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, another example of the plurality of firstcollector regions 142 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, each first collector region 142 also has a pluralityof first collectors 1421 positioned between each pair of firstelectrodes 141 and a plurality of connecting regions 143 connectingneighboring first collectors 1421.

However, each first collector 1421 is obliquely positioned between apair of first electrodes 141, and each connection region 143, too, isobliquely positioned between two neighboring first collectors 1421.

In addition, the first collectors 1421 and the connecting regions 143have the same horizontal width, and neighboring first collectors 1421and neighboring connecting regions 143 are vertically symmetrical. Thus,each first collector region 142 has a shape which continuously extendsacross the plurality of first electrodes 141 without interruption in azigzag fashion.

At this point, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of deletions 144 existalternately at the left and right parts with respect to the firstcollectors 1421 and the connecting regions 143 in the areas S1 formed byvirtually connecting both lateral sides of the plurality of firstcollectors 1421, that is, the areas formed by vertically and linearlyconnecting both lateral sides of each first collector region 142. InFIG. 9, the deletions 144 have a triangular shape, and thus the zigzagshave a triangular saw-toothed shape.

Unlike this example, the triangular-shaped deletions 144 may only existat either the left parts or the right parts. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 10and 11, either the right sides or the left sides of the first collectorregions 142 have a linear shape, while either the right sides or theleft sides, which are the opposite sides, have triangular-shapeddeletions 144. Accordingly, the left sides or the right sides, which areopposite to the sides having the linear shape, have a triangularsaw-toothed shape.

In another example of the first collector regions 142 shown in FIG. 12,similarly to FIG. 8, each first collector region 142 has firstcollectors 1421 positioned between pairs of first electrodes 141 andhaving a “

”-shape, and connecting regions 143 perpendicularly connectingneighboring collectors 1421, and hence has an integrated shape whichcontinuously extends without interruption in a zigzag fashion.

However, as shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of deletions 144, whichexist alternately at the left and right parts with respect to the firstcollectors 1421 and the connecting regions 143 in the areas S1 formed byvirtually connecting both lateral sides of the plurality of firstcollectors 1421, have a rectangular shape. Due to this, the zigzags arectangular saw-toothed shape.

At this point, similarly to those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, theplurality of deletions 144 having a rectangular shape only exist ateither the left parts or the right parts. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 14 and15, either the right sides or the left sides of the first collectorregions 142 have a linear shape, while either the right sides or theleft sides, which are the opposite sides, have rectangular-shapeddeletions 144. Accordingly, the left sides or the right sides, which areopposite to the sides having the linear shape, have a rectangularsaw-toothed shape.

Comparing the example shown in FIGS. 8 to 15 with the comparativeexample where the plurality of collector regions have a stripe shapewhich extends across the plurality of first electrodes 141, theformation area of the first collectors 1421 in each of the firstcollector regions 142 is decreased in FIGS. 8 to 15, thereby making themanufacturing cost of the solar cell 1 smaller than that in thecomparative example.

Another example of the first collector regions 142 shown in FIG. 16 hasa plurality of deletions 144 and has a stripe (or strip) shape whichextends across the plurality of first electrodes 141. Accordingly, bothlateral sides of the first collector regions 142 have a linear shape butthe first collector regions 142 have the plurality of deletions 144formed therein, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the firstcollector regions 142. At this point, the plurality of deletions 144existing in each collector region 142 may have various shapes other thana circular shape, and may be regularly or randomly arranged.

The shape of the deletions 144 shown in FIGS. 8 to 16 is an example, andthe deletions 144 may have various shapes such as a circular shape, anelliptical shape, a semi-circular shape, semi-elliptical shape, and apolygonal shape such as a triangular shape and a rectangular shape. Inaddition, although the deletions 144 are positioned between each pair ofneighboring first electrodes 141 in FIGS. 8 to 15, they also may bearranged at regular distances, for example, between every two pairs offirst electrodes 141 and the arrangement positions may be varied.

Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 8 to 16, the ratio of the pluralityof deletions 144 in the virtual areas S1 is greater than about 10% toless than about 100% with respect to the total area of the virtual areasS1. Due to this, the area of the first collector regions 142 is reducedby greater than about 10% to less than about 100% compared to thecomparative example in which the plurality of first collector regionshave a stripe shape.

In this way, the shapes of the first collector regions 142 describedwith reference to FIGS. 4 to 16 are used as another example of thesecond collector regions 152 shown in FIG. 3.

Next, various examples of the second collector regions 152 according toexample embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 17 to 27.

FIGS. 17 to 27 are views showing various examples of the secondcollector regions according to example embodiments of the presentinvention.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, each second collector region 152has a plurality of second collectors 1521 formed on the rear surface ofthe substrate 110, or as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, has a plurality ofsecond collectors 1521 and a plurality of connecting regions 153electrically and physically connecting the plurality of secondcollectors 1521 to each other.

Thus, a plurality of deletions 154 are provided in areas S2 formed byvirtually connecting both lateral sides of the plurality of secondcollectors 1521 in the same manner as the first collector regions 142.

At this point, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, the size, frequency count, aformation distance, etc., of the collectors 1421 for the first collectorregion 142 are different from those of the second collectors 1521, butthe present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 27, each second collector region152 has a zigzag pattern of a triangular saw-toothed or rectangularsaw-toothed shape, or a plurality of deletions 154 are provided in theinternal areas of the second collector regions 152.

At this point, the size or the number of deletions 154 for the pluralityof second collector regions 152 may be increased or decreased in asimilar way as the deletions 144 for the plurality of first collectorregions 142 so as to decrease or increase the formation area of theplurality of second collector regions 152 as was the case with theplurality of first collector regions 142.

In such an example, similarly to the first collector regions 142, theformation area of the second collector regions 152 in FIG. 3 isdecreased in which the plurality of second collector regions 152 have astripe shape, so that the material cost of the second collector regions152 can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the solarcell 1. Further, the formation area of the back surface field 171 isincreased as much as a reduction in the formation area of the secondcollector regions 152, and hence a reduction in the recombination rateof electrons and holes caused by the back surface field 171 becomes moreprominent, thereby further improving the efficiency of the solar cell 1.

In this way, when the plurality of first collector regions 142positioned on an incident surface and the plurality of second collectorregions 152 positioned on the rear surface of the substrate 110, whichis opposite to the incident surface, are formed in various shapes, theplurality of first collector regions 142 and the plurality of secondcollector regions 152 may have the same shape and are formed atpositions facing each other with respect to the substrate 110, wherebythe plurality of first collector regions 142 and the plurality of secondcollector regions 152 may overlap with each other.

In this case, a deterioration of the solar cell 1 is reduced and hencethe reliability of the solar cell 1 is improved.

That is, on the incident surface of the substrate 110, a larger amountof light is incident to the portion of the anti-reflection layer 130exposed to the outside because the plurality of first collectors 1421are not positioned thereon, rather than being incident to the portionswhere the plurality of first collectors 1421 are formed. Thus, thetemperature of the portion of the substrate 110 positioned under theanti-reflection layer 130 exposed to the outside is higher than thetemperature of the portion of the substrate 110 positioned under theplurality of the first collectors 1421, and this leads to the generationof much heat.

Accordingly, in case the plurality of first collectors 1421 and theplurality of second collectors 1521 have the same formation positionsand pattern, with the substrate 110 interposed therebetween, heatgenerated from the portion of the substrate 110 where the firstcollectors 1421 are not formed is easily emitted to the outside throughthe rear surface of the substrate 110 where the second collectors 1521are not positioned. Due to this, it is easy to emit the heat generatedfrom the solar cell 1, and hence a deterioration of the solar cell 1 isreduced.

Next, another example embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 28 to 31. In comparison with FIGS. 1and 2, components performing the same functions are designated with thesame reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of one example of a solar cellaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention. FIG.29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28. FIG.30 is a view showing the arrangement state of a plurality of pointcontacts in one example of the solar cell according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a view showing a statewhere a plurality of first and second metal films (or plurality of firstand second strips) is formed on (or includes) the plurality of pointcontacts in a solar cell according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention.

A solar cell 1 a shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 has a similar structure tothat of the solar cell 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

That is, the solar cell 1 a according to this example embodimentincludes a substrate 110, an emitter layer 120 positioned on the frontsurface of the substrate 110, an anti-reflection layer 130 positioned onthe emitter layer 120, a first charge transfer unit 140 a electricallyconnected to the emitter layer 120, a second charge transfer unit 150positioned on the rear surface of the of the substrate 110, and a backsurface field 171 positioned between the substrate 110 and the secondcharge transfer unit 150.

However, unlike the solar cell 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the firstcharge transfer unit 140 a has a different structure from that of thefirst charge transfer unit 140 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The first charge transfer unit 140 a according to this exampleembodiment has a plurality of point contacts 145 disposed at regulardistances on the incident surface of the substrate 110 and a pluralityof first metal films 147 and a plurality of second metal films 149 whichare positioned on the point contacts 145.

The plurality of point contacts 145 and the plurality of first metalfilms 147 form a plurality of first electrodes 141 a, and some of thepoint contacts 145 and the plurality of second metal films 149 form (orare included in) a plurality of second collector regions 142 a.

The first charge transfer unit 140 a of this type will be described indetail.

As shown in FIG. 30, the plurality of point contacts 145 are positionedmainly in a matrix on the incident surface of the substrate 110, and areelectrically and physically connected to the emitter layer 120. Thus,the plurality of point contacts 145 are collectors that collect chargesmoved toward the emitter layer 120.

In this example embodiment, each point contact 145 has a circular shape,and the width D0 of the point contacts 145 is about 50 μm to 80 μm. Dueto the particle characteristics of a conductive paste, for example,paste containing silver (Ag), used to manufacture the point contacts145, it is difficult to form the point contacts 145 having a width D0 ofless than about 50 μm. Thus, the width D0 of the point contacts 145 isabout 50 μm or greater. Also, if the width D0 of the point contacts 145exceeds about 80 μm, the incident area of light is reduced and thereforethe efficiency of the solar cell 1 a is lowered.

In addition, the distances Wr and We between the point contacts 145adjacent in row and column directions can be respectively determined inconsideration of the movement distance of charges that move toward theemitter layer 120. For instance, the Wr and We may be determined basedon the magnitude of the resistance of the emitter layer 120 and theminimum movement distance of charges. In this example embodiment, thedistances Wr and We between neighboring point contacts 145 range fromabout 2 mm to 3 mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In this example embodiment, each point contact 145 has a circular shape,but the present invention is not limited thereto and each point contact145 may have various shapes such as an elliptical shape or a polygonalshape such as a triangular shape and a rectangular shape. Also, in thisexample embodiment, the distances Wr and We between point contacts 145adjacent in the row and column directions are equal to each other, butthe plurality of point contacts 145 may be positioned in the row andcolumn directions at the distances Wr and We of different distances.

Such a plurality of point contacts 145 contains a conductive material,such as silver (Ag). However, they may contain, instead of silver (Ag),at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), copper(Cu), aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In), titanium (Ti),gold (Au), and a combination thereof, or otherwise may contain otherconductive materials.

In comparison with the first electrodes 141 of FIGS. 1 and 2 which havea predetermined width and length, extend almost in parallel in apredetermined direction, and are in contact with the emitter layer 120,the contact area between the plurality of point contacts 145 and theemitter layer 120 is greatly reduced.

Due to this, charge loss caused by a recombination of electrons andholes generated in the contact areas between the emitter layer 120 andthe point contacts 145 is reduced, thereby lengthening the duration ofcharges and improving the efficiency of the solar cell 1 a.

The plurality of first metal films 147 has a stripe (or a strip) shapein which they are positioned on (or includes) the plurality of pointcontacts 145 (hereinafter, ‘the plurality of contact point rows’ or ‘theplurality of contact point columns’) arranged in a row or columndirection (in FIG. 29, a plurality of columns of contact parts arrangedin a column direction). Due to this, the plurality of first metal films147 extend almost in parallel in a predetermined direction, e.g., in arow direction, parts of each of the first metal films 147 are in contactwith the plurality of point contacts 145, and the other parts are incontact with parts of the anti-reflection layer 130. The plurality offirst metal films 147 of this type transfers the charges collected bythe plurality of point contacts 145 to the plurality of second metalfilms 149.

As previously explained, the distance between neighboring point contacts145 is determined in consideration of the movement distance of charges,and hence charge movement is enabled not only through the plurality offirst metal films 147 but also between the neighboring point contacts145.

As shown in FIG. 31, the width D1 of each first metal film 147 isdesigned to be larger than the width Do of the point contacts 145,thereby improving the charge transfer capability.

However, it is preferred, though not required, that the width D1 of eachfirst metal film 147 is rather small in consideration of light receivingarea, light reflectance, or light absorbance. In one example, the widthD1 of each first metal film 147 may range from about 50 μm to 80 μm,which is equal to the width D0 of the point contacts 145 inconsideration of the particle characteristics of conductive paste usedto manufacture the first metal films 147, for example, paste containingsilver (Ag), light receiving area, contact resistance with a contactingportion, and self resistance. This provides the effect of an increase inthe light receiving area.

Also, the distance W1 between neighboring first metal films 147 may beequal to the distance We between the point contacts 145 adjacent in acolumn direction.

The plurality of second metal films 149 are positioned on the pluralityof contact point columns or the plurality of contact point rows, andthus extends in a predetermined direction (in FIG. 29, a columndirection) almost in parallel to a direction crossing the plurality offirst metal films 147. At this point, each second metal film 149 extendsfrom parts of the plurality of first metal films 147 in a directioncrossing the plurality of first metal films 147. Thus, the contact pointcolumns are positioned at crossings between the plurality of first metalfilms 147 and each second metal film 149, i.e., at branching portions.Due to this, the plurality of second metal films 149 outputs, to theoutside, not only the charges moving through the plurality of firstmetal films 147 but also the charges transferred from the plurality ofpoint contacts 145 positioned right thereunder, thereby improvingtransfer efficiency.

The width D2 of the second metal films 149 is designed to be larger thanthe width D1 of the first metal films 147 so as to facilitate themovement of charges to an external device, but the embodiment is notlimited thereto.

The plurality of first and second metal films 147 and 149 are formed ofthe same material, and formed of a conductive material containing silver(Ag). In an alternative example, the plurality of first metal films 147and the plurality of second metal films 149 may contain, instead ofsilver (Ag), at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel(Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In),titanium (Ti), gold (Au), and a combination thereof, or otherwise maycontain other conductive materials.

In the alternative example, the plurality of first and second metalfilms 147 and 149 may be made of a transparent conductive material.Examples of the transparent conductive material may include at least oneselected from the group consisting of ITO (indium tin oxide), tin-basedoxide, zinc-based oxide, and a combination thereof.

In this case, there is no risk that the light receiving area will bereduced by the first and second metal films 147 and 149, and thereforethe widths D1 and D2 of the first and second metal films 147 and 149 maybe formed to be larger than the width D0 of the point contacts 145.

In this manner, when the plurality of first and second metal films 147and 149 are made of a transparent conductive material, the incident areaof light can be increased to thus improve the efficiency of the solarcell 1 a, and the widths D1 and D2 of the first and second metal films147 and 149 can be increased to thus increase the transfer efficiency ofcharges through the first and second metal films 147 and 149 and furtherimprove the efficiency of the solar cell 1 a.

In the solar cell 1 a having such a structure of the first chargetransfer unit 140 a, the plurality of second collector regions 152 ofthe second charge transfer unit 150 may have various structures shown inFIGS. 17 to 27, as well as the structure shown in FIG. 3. The secondcollector regions 152 of this structure have been already described withreference to FIGS. 17 to 27, so a detailed description thereof will beomitted.

Next, a method for manufacturing a solar cell 1 a according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 32 to 39.

FIGS. 32 to 39 are cross-sectional views sequentially showing a methodfor manufacturing a solar cell according to another example embodimentof the present invention.

First, the surface of a substrate 110 made of p-type monocrystalline orpolycrystalline silicon, which is corrugated, is textured to form atextured surface. At this time, in case the substrate 110 is made ofmonocrystalline silicon, the surface of the substrate 110 is textured byusing a basic solution, such as KOH, NaOH, or TMAH (tetramethylammonniumhydroxide). In case the substrate 110 is made of polycrystallinesilicon, the surface of the substrate 110 is textured by using an acidsolution, such as HF or HNO₃.

Next, as shown in FIG. 33, a material, for example, POCL₃ or H₃PO₄,containing an impurity of a group V element, such as phosphor (P),arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb), is thermally treated at a hightemperature to diffuse the impurity of the group V element on thesubstrate 110, thereby forming an emitter layer 120 on the entiresurface, i.e., front, rear, and side surfaces, of the substrate 110.Unlike this example embodiment, in case the conductive type of thesubstrate 110 is an n type, a material, for example, B₂H₆, containing animpurity of a group III element may be thermally treated at a hightemperature or stacked to thus form a p-type emitter region on theentire surface of the substrate 110. Next, an oxide (phosphoroussilicate glass, PSG) containing phosphor or an oxide (boron silicateglass, BCG) containing boron, which is produced by the diffusion of ap-type impurity or an n-type impurity into the substrate 110, is removedby an etching process.

Next, referring to FIG. 34, an anti-reflection layer 130 is formed onthe incident surface of the substrate 110 by a chemical vapor deposition(CVD) method, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).

As shown in FIG. 35, a paste containing silver (Ag) is printed on acorresponding portion of the rear surface of the substrate 110 using ascreen printing method and then dried at about 120° to about 200° toform a plurality of second collector region patterns 1521 having astripe shape, and a paste containing aluminum (Al) is printedsubstantially on the remaining portion of the rear surface of thesubstrate 110 using a screen printing method and then dried to form asecond electrode pattern 1511 (FIG. 36). At this point, the secondelectrode pattern 1511 partially overlaps with a plurality ofneighboring collector region patterns 1521, but the embodiment is notlimited thereto.

Next, as shown in FIG. 37, a paste containing silver (Ag) is printed ona corresponding portion of the front surface of the substrate 110 usinga screen printing method and then dried to form a plurality of pointcontact patterns 1451.

The order of formation of these patterns 1521, 1511, and 1451 may bevaried.

Next, the substrate 110 provided with the plurality of second collectorregion patterns 1521, the second electrode pattern 1511, and theplurality of point contact patterns 1451 are fired at a temperature ofabout 750° C. to about 800° C. to form a plurality of point contacts 145electrically and physically contacting a plurality of second collectorregions 152, a second electrode 151, and an emitter layer 120, and toform a back surface field 171 between the substrate 110 and the secondelectrode 151 (FIG. 38).

That is, when a thermal treatment is carried out, as glass fritscontained in the point contact patterns 1451 and containing lead (Pb)are melted, the anti-reflection layer 130 at a contacting portion isetched. Thus, silver (Ag) and the like contained in the point contactpatterns 1451 is brought into contact with the emitter layer 120,thereby forming the plurality of point contacts 145 physically andelectrically connected to the emitter layer 120. Also, in the thermaltreatment process, aluminum (Al) contained in the second electrode 151is diffused toward the substrate 110 contacting the second electrode151, thereby forming the back surface field 171 between the secondelectrode 151 and the substrate 110. At this time, the back surfacefield 171 is a p conductive type, which is the same conductive type asthe substrate 110. More specifically, the back surface field 171 is a p+conductive type because the concentration of an impurity of the backsurface field 171 is higher than that of the substrate 110.

Next, as shown in FIG. 39, a conductive paste containing silver (Ag) isprinted on a corresponding portion of the incident surface of thesubstrate 110 using a screen printing method to form first and secondmetal film patterns 148. Then, they are dried to form first and secondmetal films 147 and 149, thereby completing the solar cell 1 a. In analternative example, the conductive paste for forming the first andsecond metal film patterns 148 may contain a transparent conductivematerial.

As above, the first and second metal films 147 and 149 are formed byperforming a drying process without a firing process. Hence, the spreadof the first and second metal film patterns 148 does not occur.Accordingly, the light receiving area is increased due to a reduction ofthe formation area of the first and second metal films 147 and 149,thereby improving the efficiency of the solar cell 1 a.

In addition, in the alternative example, parts of the anti-reflectionlayer 130 are removed by an etching method or the like to expose partsof the emitter layer 120, a plurality of point contacts 145 arepositioned on the exposed parts of the emitter layer 120, and then firstand second metal films 147 and 149 are formed thereon by various filmformation methods, such as a screen printing method or a sputteringmethod. In this case, the plurality of point contacts 145 does not haveto penetrate the anti-reflection layer 130, and therefore lead or thelike does not need to be contained therein. Hence, there is no need toworry about environmental contamination, and the contact force betweenthe emitter layer 120 and the plurality of point contacts 145 isimproved.

Another example of the solar cell according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 40 to 42.

FIG. 40 is a partial perspective view of a solar cell according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is across-sectional view taken along line XXXXI-XXXXI of FIG. 40. FIG. 42 isa view showing a state where a plurality of first and second metal filmsis formed on a plurality of point contacts in a solar cell according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

A solar cell 1 b according to this example has the same structure as thesolar cell 1 a shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 except the structure of a firstcharge transfer region 140 b. Accordingly, components having the samestructure and performing the same functions are designated with the samereference numerals, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The first charge transfer region 1 b according to this example has aplurality of point contacts 145, a plurality of metal films 147, and aplurality of collector regions 142 b.

Unlike FIGS. 28 and 29, the plurality of point contacts 145 arepositioned mainly under the plurality of metal films 147, and does notexist under the plurality of collector regions 142 b. Since the numberof formation of the plurality of point contacts 145 is reduced,manufacturing costs can be cut down.

In this example, a plurality of collector regions 142 b are connected tothe plurality of metal films 147, while in an alternative example, theplurality of collector regions 142 b may be separated from the pluralityof metal films 147.

A method for manufacturing such a solar cell 1 a is identical to thatdescribed with reference to FIGS. 32 to 39, so a description thereofwill be omitted.

Although such a solar cell 1, 1 a, and 1 b may be independently used,the plurality of solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b may be connected formore efficient use to form a solar cell module.

Next, a solar cell module using the solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 baccording to the example embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 43 to 45.

FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing a solar cell module according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 is a plane viewshowing a connection state between solar cells according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional viewshowing the connection state between the solar cells according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 43, the solar cell module 100 according to thisexample embodiment includes a solar cell array 10, protection films 20 aand 20 b for protecting the solar cell array 10, a transparent member 40positioned on the protection film (hereinafter, ‘an upper protectionfilm’) 20 a positioned on the light receiving surface of the solar cellarray 10, a back sheet 50 disposed under the protection film(hereinafter, ‘a lower protection film’) 20 b positioned on the oppositeside of the light receiving surface on which light is not incident, anda frame 60 housing these components.

The solar cell array 10 has a plurality of solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1b arranged in a matrix structure. In FIG. 43, the solar cell array 10has a 3×3 matrix structure, but the embodiment is not limited theretoand the number of solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b disposed in respectiverow and column directions may be adjusted if required.

The solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b are electrically connected in seriesor in parallel to neighboring solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b. At thispoint, as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, electrical connection between firstcollector regions 142, 142 a, and 142 b respectively positioned at theneighboring solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b and second collector regions152 is carried out by using a conductive connecting region 31. That is,the conductive connecting region 31 is positioned and then fixed ontothe first collector regions 142, 142 a, and 142 b, positioned atdifferent solar cells 1, 1 a, and/or 1 b, and the second collectorregions 152, thereby performing electrical connection between the twocollector regions 142 (or 142 a or 142 b) and 152. At this point, theconductive connecting region 31 may be a conductive tape, which is athin metal tape called a ribbon that has a conductive material andhaving a string shape. In order to increase the adhesion efficiencybetween the conductive connecting region 31 and each of the collectorregions 142 (or 142 a or 142 b) and 152, an adhesive may be applied onthe collector regions 142 (or 142 a or 142 b) and then the conductiveconnecting region 31 may be attached thereto or a laser beam may beirradiated thereto.

The back sheet 50 prevents moisture from permeating the back surface ofthe solar cell module 100 and hence protects the solar cells 1, 1 a,and/or 1 b from an outside environment. The back sheet 50 of this typemay have a multilayered structure, such as a layer for preventingpermeation of moisture and oxygen, a layer for preventing chemicalcorrosion, and a layer having insulation characteristics.

The upper and lower protection films 20 a and 20 b prevent the corrosionof metals caused by moisture permeation and protect the solar cellmodule 100 from an impact. The upper and lower protection films 20 a and20 b of this type are integrated with the solar cell array 10 during alamination process, being disposed on the upper and lower portions ofthe solar cell array 10. These protection films 20 a and 20 b may bemade of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral, ethylene vinylacetate partial oxide, a silicon resin, an ester-based resin, anolefin-based resin, and the like.

The transparent member 40 positioned on the upper protection film 20 ais made of tempered glass having high transmittance and excellent damageprevention function. At this point, the tempered glass may be a low irontempered glass having a low iron content. The inner surface of thetransparent member 40 may be embossed in order to increase lightscattering effect.

The frame 60 is made of a material, such as aluminum, which is coatedwith an insulating material and does not undergo corrosion, deformation,or the like due to an outside environment, and has a structure whichmakes drainage, installation, and construction easier.

Even though the present invention is described in detail with referenceto the foregoing embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention thereto. It is evident from the foregoing thatmany variations and modifications may be made by a person havingordinary skill in the present field without departing from the essentialconcept and scope of the present invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

1. A charge transferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfercharges generated from a semiconductor substrate, the charge transferorcomprising: a plurality of electrodes which collects the charges and aredisposed on the semiconductor substrate and extending generally in afirst direction; and at least one collector which transfers the chargescollected by the plurality of electrodes, the at least one collectorbeing included in at least one collector region disposed on thesemiconductor substrate and extending generally in a second directionthat crosses the first direction, wherein the at least one collectorregion further includes at least one deletion portion where a portion ofthe at least one collector is not formed.
 2. The charge transferor ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes includes a first electrodeand a second electrode, the at least one collector includes a firstcollector and a second collector, and the at least one collector regionhas an area defined by a width in the first direction and a length inthe second direction, the width including a first point on the firstelectrode that contacts a first peripheral point of the first collectorand a second point on the first electrode that contacts a secondperipheral point of the first collector, and the length including thefirst point on the first electrode that contacts the first peripheralpoint of the first collector and a first point on the second electrodethat contacts a first peripheral point of the second collector.
 3. Thecharge transferor of claim 1, wherein the at least one collector regioncomprises a plurality of the collectors positioned between pairs of theplurality of electrodes and connected to the pairs of the plurality ofelectrodes.
 4. The charge transferor of claim 3, wherein the at leastone collector region further comprises at least one connecting regionpositioned between a neighboring pair of the plurality of the collectorsand connected to the neighboring pair of the plurality of thecollectors.
 5. The charge transferor of claim 4, wherein a width of theat least one connecting region in the first direction and a width of theplurality of the collectors in the first direction are different fromeach other.
 6. The charge transferor of claim 3, wherein at least one oftwo lateral sides of the at least one collector region comprises acorrugated portion.
 7. The charge transferor of claim 6, wherein thecorrugated portion has a triangular saw-toothed shape.
 8. The chargetransferor of claim 6, wherein the corrugated portion has a rectangularsaw-toothed shape.
 9. The charge transferor of claim 3, wherein theplurality of the collectors have the same shape.
 10. The chargetransferor of claim 3, wherein the plurality of the collectors in the atleast one collector region includes at least one metal strip extendingin the second direction.
 11. The charge transferor of claim 10, whereina width of the at least one metal strip is greater than or equal to awidth of the plurality of collectors.
 12. The charge transferor of claim1, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises a plurality of pointcontacts positioned on the semiconductor substrate to be spaced apartfrom each other so as to collect the charges.
 13. The charge transferorof claim 12, wherein the at least one collector is formed as a strippositioned on the semiconductor substrate and on the plurality of pointcontacts.
 14. The charge transferor of claim 13, wherein the strip ismade of at least one of a metal and a transparent conductive material.15. A charge transferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfercharges generated from a semiconductor substrate, the charge transferorcomprising: at least one electrode to collect the charges; and at leastone collector to transfer the charges collected by the at least oneelectrode, wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality ofcontact points positioned on the semiconductor substrate to be spacedapart from each other so as to collect the charges.
 16. The chargetransferor of claim 15, wherein the at least one electrode comprises astrip positioned on and along the plurality of point contacts.
 17. Thecharge transferor of claim 14, wherein the strip is made of at least oneof a metal and a transparent conductive material.
 18. A solar cell,comprising: a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer ofa second conductive type, which is opposite to the first conductivetype, and positioned on the substrate; a plurality of first electrodeselectrically connected to the emitter layer; at least one firstcollector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, the at leastone first collector being included in at least one first collectorregion on the substrate; a second electrode electrically connected tothe substrate; and at least one second collector connected to the secondelectrode, the at least one second collector being included in at leastone second collector region on the substrate, wherein at least one ofthe at least one first collector region and the at least one secondcollector region comprises at least one deletion portion where the atleast one first collector or the at least one second collector is notformed.
 19. The solar cell of claim 18, wherein the at least onecollector region comprises a plurality of the first collectors connectedto the plurality of first electrodes, or the at least one secondcollector region comprises a plurality of the second collectorsconnected to the second electrode, or both.
 20. The solar cell of claim19, wherein the at least one collector region comprises at least oneconnection region positioned between a neighboring pair of the pluralityof first collectors and connected thereto, or the at least one secondcollector region comprises at least one connecting region positionedbetween a neighboring pair of the plurality of the second collectors andconnected thereto, or both.
 21. The solar cell of claim 20, wherein atleast one of the at least one first collector region and the at leastone second collector region comprises a corrugated portion on at leastone of two lateral sides.
 22. The solar cell of claim 21, wherein thecorrugated portion has a triangular saw-toothed shape.
 23. The solarcell of claim 21, wherein the corrugated portion has a rectangularsaw-toothed shape.
 24. The solar cell of claim 19, wherein the at leastone first collector region comprises the plurality of the firstcollectors, and the plurality of the first collectors is positionedbetween each pair of the plurality of first electrodes.
 25. The solarcell of claim 19, wherein at least one of the at least one firstcollector and the second collector is a metal film extending in the atleast one of the at least one first collector region and the secondcollector region.
 26. The solar cell of claim 19, wherein the pluralityof first electrodes comprises a plurality of conductors that is spacedapart from each other and is positioned to be electrically connected tothe emitter layer.
 27. The solar cell of claim 26, wherein each of theplurality of first electrodes comprises a strip positioned on and alongthe plurality of conductors.
 28. The solar cell of claim 27, wherein thestrip is made of at least one of a metal and a transparent conductivematerial.
 29. A solar cell, comprising: a substrate of a firstconductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type, which isopposite to the first conductive type, and positioned on the substrate;a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the emitterlayer; at least one first collector connected to the plurality of firstelectrodes; a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate;and at least one second collector connected to the second electrode,wherein the plurality of first electrodes is a plurality of pointcontacts spaced apart from one another and electrically connected to theemitter layer.
 30. The solar cell of claim 29, wherein each of theplurality of first electrodes comprises a strip positioned on theplurality of point contacts and which contacts the plurality of pointcontacts.
 31. The solar cell of claim 29, wherein the strip is made ofat least one of a metal and a transparent conductive material.
 32. Amethod for manufacturing a solar cell, the method comprising: forming anemitter layer of a second conductive type on a substrate of a firstconductive type, the second conductive type being opposite to the firstconductive type; applying a first paste on a first surface of thesubstrate to form a plurality of point contact patterns; forming asecond paste on a second surface of the substrate positioned on theopposite side of the first surface to form a first electrode pattern;thermally treating the substrate provided with the plurality of pointcontact patterns and the first electrode pattern at a first temperatureto form a plurality of point contacts connected to the emitter layer anda first electrode electrically connected to the substrate; forming afirst metal film pattern extending in a first direction on exposed partsof the emitter layer of the first surface; and thermally treating thesubstrate provided with the first metal film pattern at a secondtemperature to form a plurality of first metal films electricallyconnected to the plurality of point contacts and extending in the firstdirection.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first temperature ishigher than the second temperature.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein,in the forming of the first metal film pattern, when the first metalfilm pattern is formed, a second metal film pattern is formed positionedon the plurality of point contacts and is extended in a second directiondifferent from the first direction of the first metal film pattern, andin the forming of the plurality of first metal films, the second metalfilm pattern is thermally treated along with the first metal filmpattern to further form a plurality of second metal films extending inthe second direction different from the first direction of the pluralityof first metal films.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first andsecond metal film patterns contain a transparent conductive material.36. A solar cell module, comprising: a plurality of solar cells, eachsolar cell comprising an emitter layer positioned on a substrate andhaving a conductive type opposite to that of the substrate, a pluralityof first electrodes electrically connected to the emitter layer, atleast one first collector connected to the plurality of firstelectrodes, the at least one first collector being included in at leastone first collector region on the substrate, a second electrodeelectrically connected to the substrate, and at least one secondcollector electrically connected to the second electrode, the at leastone second collector being included in at least one second collectorregion on the substrate; and at least one conductive connecting portionpositioned on the at least one first collector region and the at leastone second collector region respectively positioned at neighboring solarcells among the plurality of solar cells, and electrically connectingthe at least one first collector region and the at least one secondcollector region, wherein of at least one of the first collector regionand the second collector region comprises at least one deletion portionwhere the at least one first collector or the at least one secondcollector is not formed.
 37. The solar cell module of claim 36, whereineach of the plurality of first electrodes comprises a plurality ofconductors which discontinuously extend in a second direction differentfrom a first direction of the at least one first collector region to bespaced apart from one another and are positioned to be electricallyconnected to the emitter layer.
 38. The solar cell module of claim 37,wherein each of the plurality of first electrodes includes a strippositioned on and along the plurality of conductors.
 39. A solar cellmodule, comprising: a plurality of solar cells, each solar cellcomprising an emitter layer positioned on a substrate and having aconductive type opposite to that of the substrate, a plurality of firstelectrodes electrically connected to the emitter layer, at least onefirst collector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, the atleast one first collector being included in at least one first collectorregion on the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected tothe substrate, and at least one second collector electrically connectedto the second electrode, the at least one second collector beingincluded in at least one second collector region on the substrate; andat least one conductive connecting portion positioned on the at leastone first collector region and the at least one second collector regionrespectively positioned at neighboring solar cells among the pluralityof solar cells, and electrically connecting the at least one firstcollector region and the at least one second collector region, whereinthe plurality of first electrodes is a plurality of point contactsspaced apart from one another and electrically connected to the emitterlayer.
 40. The solar cell module of claim 39, wherein each of theplurality of first electrodes includes a strip positioned on theplurality of point contacts and contacting the plurality of pointcontacts.
 41. The solar cell module of claim 39, wherein the strip ismade of at least one of a metal and a transparent conductive material.